More stories

  • in

    Panasonic’s latest old-school camera can shoot your next TikTok

    Panasonic/ZDNETThe younger generation is looking to the past for their technology. For example, younger millennials are migrating toward flip phones for their retro-looking designs and simpler times. Also: The best vlogging camerasIntroducing the Lumix ZS99Panasonic spotted this trend and decided it was time to release a new Lumix mirrorless camera. The camera in question is the Lumix ZS99, which includes a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x Zoom Lens and an impressive 30x optical zoom. The built-in lens offers a 24-720mm range, and the camera is capable of shooting 20.3-megapixel photos, 4K video up to 30 frames per second, and HD video up to 120 fps. Other features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S., a 3.0-inch tilting 1.84m-dot touchscreen that makes self-recording much easier, ISO 6400, and up to 30 fps shooting.However, Panasonic shows it isn’t shrugging off the modern form factor by adding a new vertical video mode, which will be better suited for the likes of social media posting.Also: The 7 tech gadgets I couldn’t live without in 2024Although the older Lumix ZS80 (from 2016) has much of this same technology, the ZS99 includes USB charging to comply with the  EU’s Common Charger Directive that kicks in very soon. The USB port is also used for data transfer, so you can easily move photos and videos from the camera to your desktop or laptop.The addition of USB charging is really the only update from the earlier model, so if you have been scouring the internet to find an aging Lumix camera, you’re in luck as Panasonic’s new Lumix ZS99/TZ99 will fit that bill perfectly. More

  • in

    The most reliable mechanical keyboard I’ve tested is on sale for the holidays

    Allison Jewell Finding a good keyboard can be essential to maximizing your workflow or gameplay, and recently, I have found that the Keychron Q1 Max<!–> is the perfect mechanical keyboard for both purposes. A mechanical keyboard can add a satisfying and aesthetic edge to your computer setup, and thanks to Keychron’s holiday sale, you can […] More

  • in

    Your Roku TV is getting a major smart home upgrade today – for free

    Roku/ZDNETRoku entered the smart home market a few years ago with affordable devices, including security cameras and video doorbells. Today, the streaming device manufacturer is rolling out an update to make the smart home more accessible through devices that users use daily — TVs, smartphones, and laptops.Also: Want to avoid the YouTube TV price hike? This trick worked for me (eventually)The updates include a new Camera Carousel accessible from your TV that automatically cycles through your security cameras’ live feeds to display the one camera currently capturing the action. So, if you have cameras all around the outside of your home, you’ll get a preview of each in a carousel on your TV, and your screen will switch automatically to the camera where motion was detected. Roku is also bringing more smart home notifications to its smart TV platform, enabling users to receive an alert right on their TV screen when motion is detected on a camera, for example. Currently, these notifications are limited to doorbell alerts. I love this feature with my Apple TV 4K and Apple HomeKit, as I can instantly see a tiny notification on a corner of my TV when a smart lock is unlocked or someone is at the front door.  More

  • in

    The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros you can try because change is hard

    elmvilla/Getty Images Windows 10’s end of life is coming in 2025 and that means you have to hope your machine can run Windows 11, buy a new computer, or try something different — like Linux. Also: Your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025 Linux shouldn’t be […] More

  • in

    We’re not ready to support autonomous AI agents, survey suggests

    MF3d/Getty Images AI agents are on the rise, and cash is flowing to them. Over half of companies budget $500,000 or more annually for AI agents. The catch is most firms lack the technology infrastructure stack to deploy those agents effectively.  These are the takeaways from a new survey of 1,045 enterprise technology managers and […] More

  • in

    The Magic Mouse’s fatal flaw is finally being fixed

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETThe Apple Magic Mouse is a great option for users for multiple reasons, including its sleek finish, seamless integration into the company’s ecosystem, and trackpad-like touch gestures. However, since its launch, it has had a big flaw: the placement of its charging port on the bottom of the mouse. Also: Lost luggage? Apple AirTag users can now share location with these airlinesThe location of the charging port means that if your mouse dies, you can’t charge the device and work simultaneously, which is a major pain point for users like myself. In his latest “Power On” newsletter, Apple insider Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is working on a new, redesigned Magic Mouse. The new mouse will tackle major criticisms with a full overhaul, including a new placement for the charging port, according to the report. However, don’t get your hopes up if you want a new mouse quickly.  More